A recent study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that human behaviors, such as disturbance, may be driving changes to bird communities in residential areas. Despite contrasting geographies, exurban development appeared to have similar effects on birds in two regions, with some species benefiting and others negatively impacted.
Researchers found two distinct populations of blue whales in the southeastern Pacific, with one population potentially consisting of pygmy-type blue whales. This discovery could help inform effective conservation plans for this endangered species.
A recent study reveals the Arabian Sea humpback whale population has remained separate from other humpback whales for approximately 70,000 years. This genetic isolation may be linked to glacial episodes and asynchronous breeding cycles, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts.
A GPS-collar study found that leopards stay surprisingly close to homes and can thrive in human-dominated areas, depending on resources. The study's findings suggest that leopards are not always 'stray' or 'conflict' animals but residents, requiring policy makers to rethink conservation strategies.
A new study shows that citizen science projects contribute to direct impacts on conservation, including shift in formal professions, initiation of new organizations, and influencing social circles towards the cause. Volunteer participation has also been found to increase knowledge and concern for wildlife rooted in science.
Researchers used high-tech solutions to identify and relocate problem tigers in India, reducing human-wildlife conflict near protected areas. The stripe-matching software and individual histories helped make informed decisions on handling conflict-prone big cats.
The study highlights the top 10 ways remote sensing can be used in conservation, including species distribution, ecosystem processes, and climate change. The authors hope to jumpstart a new collaborative initiative that provides guidance for space agencies and partners on advancing wildlife protection and protected area management.
A new plant species, Dorstenia luamensis, is threatened by cattle ranches and forest destruction following a 50-kilometer mapping error. The reserve's borders were incorrectly placed on maps, putting the unique plant and its biodiversity, including chimpanzees, at risk.
A new study reveals that canine distemper virus (CDV) poses a significant risk to tiger populations, particularly in smaller groups. Modeling shows that CDV infection can increase the 50-year extinction probability of tigers by up to 55.8 percent.
Allocating $45-76 billion to protected areas annually could help manage them effectively, ensuring their contribution to the planet's well-being is met. Many threatened species and plants rely on well-managed protected areas for survival.
A new study by WCS found that implementing stricter fisheries management overcame the expected detrimental effects of climate change disturbances in coral reef fisheries. Rapid implementation of fisheries restrictions countered adverse climate effects and increased fisheries catches.
A new study suggests that electrofishing can effectively remove non-native Brook Trout from small Rocky Mountain streams, preserving native Westslope Cutthroat Trout populations. The method involves using electrical shock to target and remove specific unwanted species, reducing impacts on native fish and macro-invertebrates.
A study identifies dense natural gas field developments, highways, and fencing as threats to the pronghorn's migration in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The research found that migrating pronghorn avoid high-quality forage on both sides of highways with bottlenecks, highlighting the need for wildlife-friendly infrastructure.
Researchers create a new tool to study Ebola virus in wildlife using fecal samples, providing insights into the virus' distribution and potentially changing disease understanding. The method detects antibodies against Ebola virus in ape feces, suggesting some apes survive exposure.
A new study found that in India's human-dominated landscapes, leopards primarily feed on domestic dogs (39%) and domestic cats (15%), rather than livestock. This is due to the relative accessibility of dogs, which are often allowed to roam freely.
A global study reveals that current marine protected areas are insufficient to safeguard key ecological functions performed by fish species, which provide vital services for coastal habitats. The research identifies vulnerable fish populations outside existing protected areas, emphasizing the importance of expanding these networks.
A new study reveals that only five percent of the world's pre-agricultural primary forest cover is found in protected areas, with most forests under threat from industrial logging, mining, and agriculture. Experts call for international policies to reduce pressure on primary forests, preserving their biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Researchers found Giant South American river turtles have a repertoire of vocalizations for different behavioral situations, including caring for young. The study reveals unique insights into their behavior, with female turtles using specific sounds to call to their newly hatched offspring and synchronize movements.
A new peer-reviewed paper by the Wildlife Conservation Society suggests that all ivory markets must be closed to conserve Africa's elephant populations. The paper argues that corruption and organized crime make legal trade in ivory a major factor contributing to the decline of elephants.
A new species of cetacean, the Australian humpback dolphin (Sousa sahulensis), has been officially named by researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society and Clymene Enterprises. The discovery provides taxonomic clarity to a previously taxonomically confused group of marine mammals.
A review of climate change impacts on species and ecosystems reveals a gap in conservation science focusing on indirect effects, such as seasonal changes and extreme weather events. Most studies (89%) exclusively examine direct threats, with no studies solely focusing on indirect threats.
A new study by Wildlife Conservation Society experts reveals that wildlife loss leads to conflict among people worldwide. The research highlights the link between biodiversity decline and exploitative labor practices, violence, and organized crime.
Researchers found Arctic birds are initiating nests earlier in spring, with snowmelt being the primary driver of this change. The study suggests that climate change is causing long-distance migrants to adapt their breeding cycles, potentially impacting population viability.
A new study explores the critical role of science in informing conservation action and its limitations. The authors examine the creation of Wyoming's Path of the Pronghorn migration corridor, highlighting the importance of public outreach, engagement, and collaboration with energy producers to achieve successful conservation outcomes.
A new study reveals that existing protected areas are insufficient in safeguarding the world's most threatened species, with 85% of endangered mammals, birds, and amphibians unprotected. The authors recommend expanding protected areas to target high-threat species currently lacking protection.
A new study found that existing protected areas are insufficient in safeguarding the world's imperilled biodiversity, with 85% of threatened mammal, bird, and amphibian species not adequately protected. The authors recommend linking protected area expansion to high-threat species coverage to increase conservation chances.
A new study found that wild yak mothers venture on steeper terrain than either males or females without young, accessing more nutritious food and avoiding predators. The researchers believe this strategy is an adaptive way to cope with climate change and biological challenges in their high-altitude habitat.
A 20-year study found greatly reduced green turtle catch rates in Nicaragua's legal, artisanal fishery, likely resulting from over-fishing. The catch rates declined by 56% over two decades, posing a concern for conservationists and local communities.
A new study finds that several iconic Adirondack birds are in trouble, with declines driven by the size of their wetland habitats, connectivity, and proximity to human infrastructure. The analysis suggests that these species face challenges in this environment, particularly due to climate change and habitat alteration.
The Mozambique Channel is identified as a priority for protection due to its high coral richness and sensitive species. The study found that northern reef systems in the channel are better protected from climate change and human pressures.
Fencing for wildlife conservation has costs, including the loss of predators and other species, which can lead to further local extinctions. Alternative approaches, such as improved animal husbandry and community-based crop-guarding, can be more effective in mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
Researchers investigate why only 14 percent of woodrat hybrids have genetic signatures from both desert and Bryant's woodrats. Habitat differences and mating conflicts are found to be key factors limiting hybridization in closely-related species.
A data-driven approach has been developed to maximize the effectiveness of limited enforcement resources in protecting Africa's threatened wildlife. The method uses spatial planning software to identify weaknesses in current efforts and redirect patrols to increase deterrence, with a potential cost reduction of up to 63%.
A global inventory of flu strains in birds has identified over 116 avian flu strains in wild birds, twice the number found in domestic birds. The study also reveals patterns of flu diversity in different bird hosts, with some strains specific to certain species.
A new study by the USDA and WCS demonstrates a quarantine protocol that can qualify young bison as brucellosis-free in under three years, enabling their use to seed conservation herds without disease transmission. The study shows no evidence of brucellosis was found in either newborn calves or their mothers.
A survey of Malagasy fishing villages found that most fishers support gear restrictions but are less supportive of protected areas and species restrictions. The study suggests an implementation approach prioritizing widely accepted restrictions to increase compliance with current and future fisheries regulations.
New data shows a continued decline of African forest elephants, with 65% lost between 2002 and 2013. The poaching rate is alarming, with 9% per year, resulting in over 96 elephants killed daily.
A WCS-led satellite tracking study found humpback whales share breeding waters with offshore oil rigs, major shipping routes, and toxicants off the coast of western Africa. The researchers identified new parts of the whales' breeding range and migratory routes to sub-Antarctic feeding grounds.
A new paper provides recommendations for conserving migratory wildlife that inhabit U.S. national parks, leveraging diverse scientific expertise. Key findings highlight the importance of protected areas and public engagement in safeguarding long-distance species movements.
The study highlights the ecological benefits of large carnivores, including controlling herbivores, mitigating global warming, and enhancing biodiversity. Without these species, ecosystems may collapse, leading to reduced plant diversity, biomass, and productivity, as well as increased greenhouse gas emissions.
A study found that African vultures focus on areas with high prey mortality, rather than abundance, to locate food sources. Vultures travel vast distances throughout the year in search of food, covering regions larger than New Jersey and New York State combined.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that the clymene dolphin, a small marine mammal, arose through natural hybridization between two closely related dolphin species. The research provides insights into the mechanisms of evolution and highlights the importance of continued monitoring for this threatened species.
A new study by Wildlife Conservation Society reveals that protecting Fiji's forests near the sea is crucial for preserving coral reefs. The study found that terrestrial protected areas benefit both land and coastal ecosystems, highlighting the importance of integrated planning.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society and Zoological Society of London reveals that the Sahara has suffered a catastrophic collapse of its wildlife populations. Over 14 desert species have declined, with many becoming regionally extinct or confined to small areas of their historical range.
A new study found that only 28% of the bonobo's range is suitable for the great ape, and most areas with high human activity are avoided. The research team identified distance from agricultural areas as the most important predictor of bonobo presence.
A new paper highlights repeated correlations between human-caused changes to natural systems and human health outcomes, including cardiopulmonary disease, Chagas disease, malaria exposure, and iron deficiency anemia. The study proposes a research framework to strengthen the scientific underpinnings of both public health and environment...
A team of researchers has identified a new species of humpback dolphin swimming in the waters off northern Australia. The study, published in Molecular Ecology, analyzed physical features and genetic data to determine that the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin includes at least four member species, one of which is completely new to science.
African lions in Uganda have decreased by over 30% in the past decade due to poisoning and human-related conflicts. The species' decline poses a significant threat to the country's tourism industry and ecosystem balance.
The Wildlife Conservation Society has improved African basket traps with escape gaps, reducing bycatch and increasing fish size. The new design caught larger fish while allowing undersized and non-target species to escape.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society and others confirms the existence of two subspecies of Bryde's whales, one coastal and one offshore, with distinct genetic characteristics. The research informs the need to designate both subspecies as separate conservation units with specific management needs.